Despite the uncertain labor situation that we as non-scripted workers are facing, I think it's important to take a break, take a breath, and appreciate the historical importance of someone like David Nolte. B Smith's Second Sticks got to take a deep dive into Nolte's varied career as a musician and producer, as well as his time as an audio technician in Reality TV. Nolte is a friend, as decent and kind and modest as anyone you'll meet, which makes it even more fantastic to dig into his origins as, among other things, co-founder of the seminal punk band Descendants. Nolte was there at the very beginning of the now-historical origins of punk rock in Southern California. in the late 70's. We have fun touching all the bases, and he even turns around the interview mike on me (rascal!). We wrap up with thoughts about the current non-scripted environment, while Nolte suggests that it will take some DIY Punk inspiration to find our way to what's next. This is a fun one, grab your guitar and let's jam!

Amazing interview with Joe Nolte, David's older brother, about the origins of punk rock music in the South Bay (and talks about David starting the Descendants)

https://clrvynt.com/the-last-interview/

Live version of The Last's "She Don't Know Why I'm Here", later on their influential album "L.A. Explosion"

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QNKk-Itin64&list=RDEMrbABJJEw1sq_6PF3GYXbDw&start_radio=1

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As members of a much maligned genre as non-scripted, it's imperative that we arm ourselves with as much information as possible so as to understand the moment we are in now. B Smith's Second Sticks recently sat down with Denise Gutches, the CEO/COO/CFO of FilmLA, and we covered a lot of ground. We talked about FilmLA's role in the current landscape of production in Los Angeles and California, and the $750 million incentive package for productions in California, noting that non-scripted was for the most part left outside the picture. We also chatted about the gubernatorial and city mayoral races (on June 2; get out and vote or mail your ballot in!), and how one of the more useful proposals was coming from an unlikely source. We addressed the Baywatch fiasco, and how the bureaucratic process absolutely needs to be streamlined to help make Los Angeles a more viable place to shoot going forward. All that and much more! Much thanks to Denise for taking time out of her extremely busy schedule to speak with us. I hope you listen and learn something (I know I did).

Show notes:

Correction: I referred to Denise in the intro as a "CCO" when I should have said "COO."

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In the intro for today's podcast, I refer to Jesse Krim as a "YouTube Creative Director", which in retrospect I think might not be accurate. I think she's more a YouTube "architect", in that she plans, designs, and oversees the various platforms she creates for her clients. With knowledge that belies her still relatively young age, she is sharing her insights (along with other creators) through The Industry Shift, a seminar that puts wanna-learn people in contact with those in the YouTube creator economy who are already successful in navigating that media space. On B Smith's Second Sticks, we get into all that, including a lengthy conversation about her past experience in non-scripted television with the show Project Runway, and how that gave her valuable experience, but also the realization that she wanted to forge a different path for herself. Inevitably, she found an environment rife with potential for people who are smart, savvy, and not afraid to work. We have a great conversation, one that many of us "traditionalists" should give a listen to.

Click the link below for details and tickets for "The Industry Shift" seminar this Saturday, May 30th, 10 am - 6pm in Los Angeles. Jesse is committed to sharing the word with folks in our audience. You can DM her at https://www.linkedin.com/in/jesse-krim/ for possible discount information. For anyone curious about content creation outside the traditional means, this seminar is a must-see.

The Industry Shift

https://luma.com/84k17u6q

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It's been discussed on this very podcast that Assistant Directors are the engine that powers productions. But we've only had a former-AD-turned-Director on the pod... until now! B Smith's Second Sticks welcomes Corky Cronin, as we explore his beginnings from wanna-be-actor to stage manager at House of Blues to literally starting over in TV and movie production, working his way up the ranks to 1st AD on many notable projects both non-scripted and otherwise. Corky is a passionate individual whose philosophy is "leave no man (or woman) behind." While he is currently working, all his jobs are not only out of town, but out of the country, and we both agree that this current manifestation of runaway production needs to change.

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Georgia was the new production frontier in the late teens and early 20's; the state tax incentives and growing infrastructure made it too attractive for production companies to pass up. Then, strikes and growing costs rendered Georgia into just another expensive American location, and networks started taking their shows out of the state and country. Carrie Dufresne, (former) camera operator talks with B Smith's Second Stick's about the sudden changes that forced her into another career option. We wonder what's in store for the future workers as we sort through Carrie's career arch before and after the gold rush. Give a read to Savannah Sicurella's excellent article about the production slowdown in Georgia featuring an interview with Carrie (gift link in show notes); although written in late 2024, it thoroughly outlines the state's journey from feast to famine, which continues to this day.

https://www.ajc.com/news/business/how-the-slowdown-in-tv-and-film-production-hurts-georgia-workers/RLRBWUDNTNFRDFHTK5Y2CLDLQI/?gift_article_code=NlkxX3M3RlFuTks5QS1ndXF3TVdHRjN6LUM1cmh0b0dxSEoxbXd5RWNrZzoxNzgxMjI4OTY3OmQyZTE1ODA5MzkxY2MyMWQ&utm_campaign=articlegifting

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Everyone works hard on a non-scripted TV show, but probably no group of people work harder than the Art department. Constantly under the gun, dealing with near-impossible asks and pressing deadlines, the Art department coalesces to always deliver. B Smith's Second Sticks talks with prop master Scottie DeSantis (Scottie D to those in the know) about working together on classic reality cooking shows Hells Kitchen and Master Chef, and what it's like to be the right-hand prop-man to the legendary Gordon Ramsey. We talk about the current shifting seas of production in Los Angeles, and get wistful as Scottie D talks about getting the call to empty out the prop room at the Master Chef stage for the last time. Maybe a little bitter-sweet but there's hope, there's always hope! Give it a listen!

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Filmmaker, shapeshifter, chameleon, survivor: all and more could describe Director/Producer/Cinematographer Mark Jacobs, who joined B Smith's Second Sticks recently for an look at his career, both past and present. We do a deep dive into the show "Breaking Bonaduce", a short-lived but groundbreaking non-scripted show that re-shaped both the reality genre and Mark's career in the mid 2000's. We also touch on numerous non-scripted shows and documentaries that Jacobs either directed or produced over the past 20 years, including the various projects in which he is currently involved. Our thoughtful conversation includes Mark's message to non-scripted alumni, a message inspired by equal parts faith, endurance, discovery and, primarily, hope. The message is one that workers in the reality genre need to hear at this moment in time.

The path to success is inherently unique to every single individual, and comes with its own specific challenges. For director Anna Moulaison, she advanced herself from a very successful career as an assistant director by, simply speaking, putting in the work. On the strength of one directing gig, Anna knocked on doors, made calls, sent hundreds of emails, and virtually pushed her way through the glass ceiling to her current position as a successful non-scripted director. B Smith's Second Sticks caught up with her (no small act; she's very busy) to discuss her career arc, the many freebie jobs leading up to her finally breaking through as an AD, to her current position as a director and multi-faceted content creator. We also have honest conversations regarding the non-scripted industry, as Anna shares her thoughts as to what the new version of the non-scripted genre might look like. An energetic and inspiring listen, join us!

John Armstrong loves the outdoors, always has. The Harvard grad was a documentarian early on, creating multiple films for outlets such as National Geographic. John also worked for years in the non-scripted genre as a cameraman, shooting (often handheld) on such rugged shows as Eco Challenge, Survivor, The Amazing Race, American Ninja Warrior, and Tough as Nails. Working on these shows helped cause debilitating injuries that ultimately forced John into retirement, and subsequently lead to a lawsuit in order to reach a settlement regarding his injuries. B Smith's Second Sticks caught up with John as he stepped off the slopes at a location in Utah (only a slight lag in our transmission; technology!) and we discussed his career, the lawsuit, and the injuries that he will carry with him as a reminder of a job that was more physically demanding, with long-term ramifications, than one would think. This is a must listen to workers who have been dealing with their own work-related injuries.

John is willing to talk to anyone about his situation regarding his injuries and lawsuit. Please email him at [email protected]

Check out this article on John's documentary work: https://www.harvardmagazine.com/2025/07/harvard-john-armstrong-adventure-documentaries

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I think it's ok to characterize what's happening to those of us working in the non-scripted genre of production as a failure to the American Worker. When unprotected jobs leave the state (and the country), workers are left in stasis: waiting for the phone to ring, not knowing if it will ever ring. Ultimately it can affect our mental health, as well as those of our partners and our families. We talk with German Abarca, who has worked in reality TV since the 90's as a Camera Operator, DP, and a Director, about the difficulties of such a dilemma. German discusses his own journey in straddling the line between a production career he loves but which exists in limbo, and a plan B which requires its own time and commitment. A must watch (and listen) for those who are at a similar crossroads.